Monday, February 27, 2012

Making Hypertufa

After reading articles about Hypertufa for years, we decided to try making some for ourselves... when I say we, I mean Buzz. I got my hands in it a few times, but can't take any credit for all the experimenting he did.

Making Hypertufa

(a lightweight concrete)

I'll share a couple of Buzz's many recipes...

(most of the ingredients can be found at your local hardware store)

This basic recipe worked great for small containers

and gave the the planters a natural look that we liked.

Mix the dry ingredients, then slowly add water.

The mixture should form in your hand when you squeeze it...

not to dry, not to wet.

Our forms were simple containers we had around the house, and Buzz built the wooden ones for stepping stones.

To keep the Hypertufa from sticking to our plastic containers, we sprayed the inside with a cooking spray, and the wooden frames were built so that they could be taken apart after the Hypertufa cured.

When the Hypertufa is molded, wrap it in plastic and let it cure for up to three days before removing it from it's form. If you get in a hurry, you'll most likely damage your hard work.

Geneva, I didn't know anything about these til your post. I love these!Congratulations - You've been given the Versatile Blogger award! Please visit my blog to learn more about it:http://anevergratefulheart.blogspot.com/2012/02/versatile-blogger-award.html

Very cool! I've been checking out hypertufa for a long while as well. Your stuff came out really well! I love the garden balls too. We have some of them in terracotta, but I always worry about them getting broken or damaged in the winter if I leave them outside.

Hello again Geneva,I am dropping by to thank you for sharing this fantastic DIY gardening project on The Country Homemaker blog hop last year. I wanted to share with you that this post was the 6th most popular post of the entire year!

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Psalm 77:11-15

I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.You have with Your arm redeemed Your people ...